Paul Woosnam
Baringa
Summary
As an experienced aviation executive with 21 years of operational expertise, I bring a proven track record of success in leading large teams, driving positive culture and delivering operational excellence with a customer focus across aviation operations. With a strong background in strategic planning and transformation, team leadership, and regulatory compliance, I have consistently driven focus on continuous improvement and change that delivers best practice within the aviation industry. Known for my engaging leadership style and passion to streamline processes, enhance safety standards, and foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, I am committed to delivering results that exceed expectations. My extensive experience and industry knowledge make me a valuable asset in driving the success of aviation operations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager Airport Experience
Virgin Australia Airlines
11.2022 - Current
- Accountability for delivering operational and customer excellence across 60+ domestic and international airports for Customer Service and Ramp Operations
- Inspiring safety culture through visible safety leadership, proactive operational oversight, risk and change management and regulator compliance
- Creating a connected, positive and engaged team culture for 2000+ direct airport team members and over 5000+ third party employees, through listening, communication and action
- Financial accountability for a $120M budget and delivering transformation programs and corporate restructures reducing cost by $14M over 3 years
- Leading high performing teams who are focused on meaningful change through better ways of working, continuous improvement opportunities improving group profitability and performance
- Contractor and vendor procurement, negotiation and contract management
General Manager Customer Service Delivery
Virgin Australia Airlines
09.2019 - 11.2022
- Accountable manager for Cabin Crew Operations including regulatory compliance, safety, culture, operational performance, inflight service and people leadership for a 3000 strong workforce
- Accountable manager for Airport Operations for Virgin Australia's 4 x insourced mainline domestic airports and 47 Regional and International airports including regulatory compliance, safety, culture, operational performance and airport operations
- Legislation, regulatory and safety compliance
- End to end customer service delivery
- Third party supplier/contract negotiation and contract management
- Financial accountability for $250M budget
- Business transformation and continuous improvement
- Strategy development, implementation and delivery
- Internal and external stakeholder engagement
- Process and standards development
- Communications expert
General Manager Ground Operations
Virgin Australia Airlines
03.2018 - 08.2019
- Strategic management direction and planning for Ground Operations division - successful execution of strategy, vision and purpose
- Safety and quality assurance accountability including regulatory and legislative compliance
- Financial management and control of $200M+ budget covering resource planning and general expenses
- Accountability for customer service excellence across 75 domestic and international airports for the Virgin Australia network
- Continuous improvement planning and refinement of existing work practices
- Leading and empowering a large workforce of 2000 employees and 3000 contracted team members
- Strong visible leadership and inclusive culture
- Stakeholder relationships with internal and external parties
- People management including performance feedback and career development planning
- Overarching operational control for airport operations at 75 domestic and intentional airports
- Effective monitoring and application of all internal policy and procedures
- Successfully created and delivered divisional strategy improving culture, leadership, operational excellence, efficiency and safety outcomes
Manager Regional & International Airports
Virgin Australia Airlines
07.2016 - 03.2018
- Management of Airport and Ground Operations portfolio for 68 airports in Virgin Australia's Domestic Regional, Charter and International network
- 10 direct reports and member of Senior Leadership Team
- Ground Handling Contract Negotiation,Management and Oversight – 10 different contractors across region
- Accountable for port performance, KPI's and budgets for region
- Management of budget in excess of $120million
- Accountable for safety, security and compliance within all CASA, DOTARS, IOSA, IATA legislation and regulations
- Business improvements/planning and project oversight
- Change Management and Implementation of new products and process
Manager Airports Western Region
Virgin Australia Airlines
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Management of Airport and Ground Operations functions across 31 airports in Virgin Australia's Western Region Network
- Domestic, International and Charter operations experience
- Led the operational readiness activity for Virgin Australia in the building and development of Perth Airports new T1 Domestic Terminal – (New home of Virgin Australia's W.A. Operation). Opened 22nd November 2015
- 4 direct reports and member of Senior Leadership Team
- Ground Handling Contract, Negotiation,Management and Oversight – 10 different contractors across region
- Accountable for port performance,KPI's and budgets for region
- Management of budget in excess of $30million
- Accountable for safety, security and compliance within all CASA, DOTARS, IOSA, IATA legislation and regulations
- Business improvements/planning and project oversight for the region
- • Performance management, coaching and leadership
- • Network with relevant stakeholder to ensure continuous improvement
- • Change Management and Implementation of new products and process
Brisbane Airport Manager
Virgin Australia Airlines
08.2010 - 06.2014
- Management of Airport and Ground Operations functions across the port for domestic and international operations
- 6 direct reports andmember of Senior Leadership Team
- Oversight of a large workforce excess of 550 team members
- Accountable for port performance and meeting all required KPI's and budgets
- Accountable for safety, security and compliance within all CASA, DOTARS, IOSA, IATA legislation and regulations
- Business improvements/planning and project oversight
- Recruitment and training functions
- Performance management
- Change Management and Implementation
Various Leadership & Operations Roles
Virgin Australia
10.2002 - 07.2010
- Various frontline airport operations and corporate leadership roles incorporating all key tasks associated with daily operations of an airline
Education
No Degree - Various Training Certifications
Virgin Australia Training Academy
Brisbane Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Sales and Promotion - Sales and Marketing
Southern Cross University
Lismore NSW2002
Certificate of Travel and Tourism - Tourism
Australia College of Travel and Tourism
Brisbane1998
Skills
Leadership: Inspiring hands on leadership style demonstrating ability to lead and motivate large operational teams in achieving corporate goals
Strategic Planning: Proficiency in developing and implementing strategic plans to drive business transformation, productivity and growth
Financial Management: Strong understanding of financial principles and experience in budgeting, forecasting, and meeting financial KPIs
Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels
Problem-Solving: Proven track record of identifying challenges, developing solutions, and making informed decisions
Networking and Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with peers, partners, and employees
Decision-Making: Sound judgment and decision-making skills that delivers best outcome for the team and business
Change Management: Significant experience in leading large organisational change initiatives and adapting to ever changing conditions
Team Building: Skilled in recruiting, leading and developing high-performing teams
Innovation: A mindset for innovation and continuous improvement to drive business transformation, new ways of working and competitiveness
Accomplishments
- Transformation/Continuous Improvement - successfully designed and delivered multiple large scale organisational transformations and restructures identifying opportunities for significant productivity, automation and streamlining of business process to reduce costs and improve profitability (Upwards of $30M achieved)
- Strategic Leadership and Project Delivery - led large teams through the impacts of voluntary administration and Covid-19 to rebuild Australia's 2nd largest airline into a highly successful, disciplined, profitable and competitive outcome.
- Program Management - Led the end to end operational readiness activity for Virgin Australia in the development and opening of the largest infrastructure project - Perth T1 Domestic Terminal 2016
- Contract Management - Successfully re-negotiated various ground handling contracts that delivered in excess of $10m pa financial benefit and improved service levels performance management criteria
- People Leadership and Culture Successfully implemented and led change through the development and delivery of a culture program "Destination Wonderful" to 4000 employees, developed fresh communication strategies to better connect our people and sponsored a number of diversity and inclusion initiatives including Virgin Australia's Indigenous Working Group, Gender Diverse Uniforms and Pride.
Timeline
General Manager Airport Experience
Virgin Australia Airlines
11.2022 - Current
General Manager Customer Service Delivery
Virgin Australia Airlines
09.2019 - 11.2022
General Manager Ground Operations
Virgin Australia Airlines
03.2018 - 08.2019
Manager Regional & International Airports
Virgin Australia Airlines
07.2016 - 03.2018
Manager Airports Western Region
Virgin Australia Airlines
06.2014 - 06.2016
Brisbane Airport Manager
Virgin Australia Airlines
08.2010 - 06.2014
Various Leadership & Operations Roles
Virgin Australia
10.2002 - 07.2010
No Degree - Various Training Certifications
Virgin Australia Training Academy
Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Sales and Promotion - Sales and Marketing
Southern Cross University
Certificate of Travel and Tourism - Tourism
Australia College of Travel and Tourism
Similar Profiles
Shamus GuyShamus Guy
Cabin Manager | Line Checker at Virgin Australia AirlinesCabin Manager | Line Checker at Virgin Australia Airlines
LUISA COLETTALUISA COLETTA
Cabin Crew / Cabin Crew Senior/Supervisor at Virgin Australia AirlinesCabin Crew / Cabin Crew Senior/Supervisor at Virgin Australia Airlines
Lara LawrensonLara Lawrenson
Cabin Manager at Virgin Australia AirlinesCabin Manager at Virgin Australia Airlines
Wilson SymondsWilson Symonds
Electrical Expert at Bunnings WarehouseElectrical Expert at Bunnings Warehouse
Bronson KellyBronson Kelly
Acquisition Project Manager at Acquisition PlusAcquisition Project Manager at Acquisition Plus